SOLICITORS

Scam artists posing as city firefighters are illegally seeking donations from businesses about to be inspected for fire safety, Fire and Rescue Department officials said on Tuesday.

Fire officials have received seven complaints in the past two weeks from businesses who said that people posing as firefighters have asked for money. In four cases, the requests came just days before the business was to be inspected for safety items such as fire exits and extinguishers.

"We just don't like anybody out there misrepresenting themselves who would damage the public trust of the organization," Chief Fire Marshal Edward Moran said.

Moran said that several owners had given money after the scam artists hinted that the businesses would be singled out if donations were not made.

"The message is implied that if they don't pay, they won't receive the level of service that those who pay receive," he said.

Moran did not know the names of the businesses that were the most recent targets.

The fund-raising scheme follows the pattern of a similar string of crimes that hit the city about two years ago, Moran said.

The thieves are approaching businesses before safety inspections.

"They just might be following our occupational inspectors around," Moran said. "They may just see a new business open."

City regulations prevent firefighters from soliciting donations while on duty, Moran said. Hollywood firefighters solicit money once a year in October for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The Broward County Council of Professional Firefighters is also authorized to raise money by telephone for the firefighters' union.

People who have been approached in person should call the fire marshal's office at 921-3208.

Those with concerns or questions concerning a telephone solicitation should call 768-0330.